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A recently launched initiative is attempting to make Louisiana a healthier state, one workplace at a time.

Well-Ahead Louisiana, a campaign managed by the state Department of Health and Hospitals, promotes smart, healthy choices that can impact poor health outcomes. Workplaces that meet certain wellness benchmarks are recognized as “WellSpots.”

“People are in their jobs for eight hours a day or more,” said Jennifer Gilchrist, chair of the Central Louisiana Healthy Communities Coalition. “To have a workplace environment that supports health is huge.”

“We all know in Louisiana we have this amazing culture — great food, great music, some of the best festivals anywhere,” said Robin Rhodes, a member of the Well-Ahead Louisiana team. “People from around the world come to experience it. But also, as we all know, we have these troubling health outcomes.”

It’s Louisiana’s ranking near the bottom of the country in chronic disease, health outcomes and unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and obesity that Well-Ahead Louisiana was launched to combat.

Worksites, hospitals, schools, childcare centers, colleges/universities and restaurants from around the state are participating.

New Wellness Spots highlighted Wednesday were Alexandria restaurant Good People Kitchen, St. Anthony School in Bunkie. Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Central State Hospital, the Office of Public Health-Region 6 and Amerihealth Caritas.

“One of my goals in taking over the restaurant was to make it into a spot where people could go to get healthy food that tastes good,” said Good People Kitchen owner Kate Dickey. “I hope this program continues to expand. It’s something important for the longevity of our people and our culture.”

“The process was so easy,” said Georgia Fox, Fresh Campus facilitator at LSUA. “I looked it up on their website and literally that day I submitted an application.”

For more information about becoming a WellSpot, including criteria and how to apply, visit www.wellaheadla.com.